Cody clowning around. Photo contributed
Myrt Niles has a soft place in her heart for children. That’s why she’s coordinating one of the biggest heartfelt benefits in the South Okanagan.
Niles, second vice-president of the Okanagan Falls Legion, is busy organizing a huge fundraiser for the family of Cody O’Connor. The eight-year-old boy died recently following a motorhome fire in Oliver this summer.
The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Okanagan Falls Legion hall starting at noon. Joining the effort are legion branches from Osoyoos and Oliver that will provide volunteers for the day.
The event will feature non-stop food and musical entertainment, courtesy of a dozen performers who are donating their time to raise money for the O’Connor family.
Niles introduced the idea to her legion after hearing about the boy’s death. The news literally broke her heart.
“I’ve never gone through anything like this before, and I thought there must be something we could do.”
Although it’s a sad time, many volunteers are turning up to make this benefit a wonderful thing, Niles said.
“I’m getting calls at home from people who feel so bad and want to know how they can help . . . the word is spreading through the Okanagan.”
Niles said there are some people who won’t be able to attend the event, but they can make a donation at their local legion.
The 12-hour fundraiser will feature 50/50 draws, raffle prizes, a meat draw and other activities. Parents can bring their children, who will be supervised on the third floor from 2-6:30 pm.
At 4:30, the O’Connor family will be introduced, along with local fire chiefs, including Oliver’s Dan Skaros, who rescued Cody from the burning RV on August 28. Other chiefs invited are Bob Haddow (Okanagan Falls), Darlene Bailey (Kaleden), Brad Fossett (Willowbrook), and Rick Jones (Osoyoos).
“We want to pay our respects to fire departments who keep us all safe,” Niles said.
She pointed out that various service clubs are reaching out to see how they can make the fundraiser a big success.
Niles said the O’Connor family has requested that people wear bright colours to the event. “This is really important to keep it upbeat.”
The legion is also putting up red and blue balloons because those were Cody’s favourite colours.
Pearl De Prez, Cody’s grandmother, said the family is “totally overwhelmed” with this unexpected generosity.
“I’ve never seen such an overwhelming get-together for one cause.”
De Prez acknowledged that money can’t change what happened, but it can lessen the stress level on the family.
She said the benefit will help pay for funeral expenses and for the losses sustained in the fire. She noted the motorhome was not insured. Cody’s parents are currently renting a house in Osoyoos.
De Prez said Cody and his stepfather Ramsey were very close. She recalled their shopping trips when Cody would ask Ramsey for money. Ramsey would say he didn’t have any, at which point Cody chimed, “Ya, but you got the (credit) card.”
De Prez said Cody would have thought the legion fundraiser in his honour was the greatest thing going. But his serious side could have said, “I’m good, thanks (you keep the money).”
De Prez has learned that what comes around, goes around. She has been involved in fundraisers herself in the Dawson Creek area, raising money for needy families.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
